was devastated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was devastated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of emotional distress or shock, often in response to a negative event or news. Example: "When she heard about the accident, she was devastated and couldn't stop crying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I was devastated.

University of California, Berkeley

Europe was devastated.

Columbia University

Ms. Cachay was devastated.

The New York Times

Slim was devastated.

The New Yorker

She was devastated.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was devastated, rejected.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It was devastating.

Princeton University

The feeling was devastating.

The New York Times - Magazine

The slaughter was devastating.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The collapse was devastating.

The New York Times

The effect was devastating.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was devastated" to convey a strong emotional impact, especially when describing reactions to significant losses, failures, or disasters. Ensure the context justifies the intensity of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "was devastated" in situations where the emotional impact is minor or trivial. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider less intense alternatives like "was disappointed" or "was saddened" for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was devastated" functions primarily as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state of being deeply emotionally affected. It describes a past condition resulting from a significantly negative event. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is widely used and considered grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was devastated" is a common and grammatically sound way to express profound emotional distress or shock, according to Ludwig AI. It's primarily used in news and media, as well as academic contexts, to describe reactions to significant losses or traumatic events. While versatile, it is essential to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the emotional impact truly warrants such a strong term. Alternatives like "felt crushed" or "was shattered" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. By understanding its appropriate usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively convey the depth of emotional impact while maintaining clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt crushed

Focuses on the feeling of being overwhelmed and emotionally broken by an event.

felt heartbroken

Emphasizes the emotional pain and sorrow, often associated with loss or disappointment.

was shattered

Implies a sudden and complete destruction of one's emotional state or hopes.

was grief-stricken

Highlights the intense sorrow and mourning experienced due to a significant loss.

was overcome with grief

Describes the state of being deeply affected and controlled by feelings of sorrow.

was profoundly saddened

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the sadness experienced.

was deeply affected

Indicates a strong emotional impact, though not necessarily as severe as devastation.

was completely destroyed

Focuses on the utter ruin and desolation caused by an event, both emotionally and possibly physically.

was left in ruins

Highlights the state of disarray and emotional wreckage following a traumatic experience.

was torn apart

Conveys a sense of being ripped apart emotionally, emphasizing the violent and painful nature of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "was devastated" in a sentence?

You can use "was devastated" to describe someone's emotional reaction to a deeply upsetting event. For example, "She "was devastated" when she lost her job" or "He "was devastated" by the news of the accident."

What can I say instead of "was devastated"?

You can use alternatives like "felt crushed", "felt heartbroken", or "was shattered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am devastated" or "I was devastated"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they describe different timeframes. "I am devastated" describes your current emotional state, while "I was devastated" describes your emotional state in the past.

What's the difference between "was devastated" and "was disappointed"?

"Was devastated" implies a much stronger emotional impact than "was disappointed". Devastation suggests a profound sense of loss or ruin, while disappointment suggests a milder feeling of dissatisfaction.